Scoliosis Health Project

By: Jacob Long

Scoliosis Health Project

By: Jacob Long

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. This means that the spine becomes curved. Usually the spine is supposed to be vertical from the back view. Scoliosis however turns that spine into an "S" or sometimes "C" shape. Scoliosis is most common in females and will mostly start in younger ages.

Normal Spine

Forms Of Scoliosis

S-Shaped Curve

C-Shaped Curve To The Right

C-Shaped Curve To The Left

S-Shaped Curve

C-Shaped Curve To The Right

C-Shaped Curve To The Left

How Does Scoliosis Affect Human Body Systems?

Scoliosis affects some of the human body systems. Those systems include the skeletal, nervous and digestive system. The spine is involved in the skeletal system so when scoliosis deforms the spine, the skeletal system is involved. The nervous and digestive system are affected by when the spine twists around and it could damage these systems. Depending on the severity of the curve of the spine, it could also affect some major organs like the heart and lungs.

Who Is The Target Population For Scoliosis?

Out of the general population in the world, 3% have at least a slight condition of scoliosis. Of those 3%, 0.1% require surgery. Females are usually more apt to have a condition of scoliosis rather than males. Some doctors and researches believe female hormones influences its development.

How Does This Condition Arise?

This condition can arise in a variety of different ways. The most common ways are from cerebral palsy (Muscle coordination disorder), birth defects and Marfan Syndrome (Disorder of tissue). Scoliosis is very commonly passed down by family. However, 80% of the cases are unknown in how they started.

How Is This Condition Diagnosed?

This condition is most commonly discovered in school screenings or doctor check-ups. Usually scoliosis can start from the ages 10 to 14. If the curve of the spine is around 10-15 degrees the patient will most likely only need check-ups. If the curve degree is 20 to 40 the patient will probably require a back brace, and if the curve is 40 to 50 degrees the person will probably need surgery done.

Signs And Symptoms Of This Disease

Some signs and symptoms for this condition can include the following.

Lump on back, shoulder or near the ribs

Uneven waist or shoulder height

Tilted head

Leaning to one side

One arm further from body than another

Treatment For This Condition

The treatment for this condition depends entirely on the severity of the case. A patient with scoliosis will require a lot of check-ups to make sure the case is not worsening. As stated above, if the curve of the spine is around 20 to 40 degrees the patient will most likely need a back brace. A back brace is made out of the same material as a cast. The back braces can be very uncomfortable but the will stop the condition from getting worse. Some back braces get worn 20 hours a day and some only at night. It all depends on your case of the condition. If the curve of the spine is between 40 to 50 degrees the patient will need surgery. The surgery consists of an incision of the spine where they then fuse back together the spine.

Life Expectancy Of Someone With This Condition

The life expectancy of someone with scoliosis is the same as someone without scoliosis. The condition will not get worse through adult years and will only worsen in growth spurts. Most people with scoliosis will continue on with there everyday lives and most people won't know they have it unless it is a very severe condition.

Connections

One connection I have with scoliosis is my grand-mother. She has had a very slight condition of scoliosis throughout her entire life and still continues to do things the average person would do.